Why is it called norwalk virus

People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus. Norovirus spreads easily! You can get norovirus from:. Having direct contact with an infected person Consuming contaminated food or water Touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth. Related Links. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.

Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. This virus group causes viral gastroenteritis predominately during the winter in temperate climates.

The Noroviruses are small, round, structured, non-enveloped viruses which are 27 to 32 nm in diameter. Their genome consists of a single 7. The protein coat is composed of a 60 kDa structural protein.

The virus is resistant to pH levels between 5 to 10, acid, ether, and is capable of surviving temperatures of 60C for 30 minutes. Noroviruses are only capable of infecting humans. Outbreaks of Norwalk virus frequently occur in institutional settings such as schools and nursing homes, where infection is passed person to person.

Potential sources of contaminated water include municipal water supplies, recreational lakes, swimming pools, and water stored on cruise ships. Potential sources of contaminated food include fruits, salads, and shellfish such as clams and oysters, which are contaminated by water at source.

Food that has been handled by infected individuals may also become contaminated and cause outbreaks. Norwalk virus causes viral gastroenteritis, which is also known as acute nonbacterial gastroenteritis, food poisoning, food infection, stomach flu, and winter vomiting disease.

A Norwalk virus infection results in illness 24 to 48 hours after exposure, and symptoms last from hours. It is important to note that there are other organisms such as rotaviruses which also cause viral gastroenteritis. Unlike rotaviruses, Norwalk virus infection is more frequent in older children and adults than in infants and toddlers.

To help stop the spread of the stomach flu, it is important to wash your hands, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. Noroviruses are also called Norwalk-like viruses and caliciviruses. Noroviruses cause gastroenteritis , food infection, foodborne illness , and acute non-bacterial gastroenteritis.

Noroviruses typically spread through contaminated water and foods, although they can also pass from person to person. Water becomes contaminated if human waste enters drinking water because of flooding or from a sewage system that isn't working properly. You may become infected by:. Persons working in daycare centres or nursing homes should pay special attention to children or residents who have norovirus illnesses. This virus is very contagious and can spread rapidly throughout these environments.

Keep your child at home while he or she is sick and for a few days after feeling better. That's when the virus most likely can be spread to others.

The virus can stay in your child's stool for weeks after the symptoms are gone. The symptoms of gastroenteritis caused by the noroviruses include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal belly pain. Diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration. You may have a headache and fever. A mild and brief illness usually develops 24 to 48 hours after you eat or drink the contaminated food or water and lasts for 24 to 60 hours.

Only in rare cases does a person get very sick or have to go to the hospital. Most norovirus infections are mild and pass in a few days. So most people do not go to their doctors for a diagnosis. It only occurs in humans and is found worldwide.

How is it spread? What are the symptoms? How soon after exposure do symptoms appear? The incubation period is one to two days. What is the treatment for norovirus infection? How can norovirus infection be prevented?